Kathmandu: Defending champions Lalitpur City FC registered an entertaining 2-1 victory over Chitwan FC in the Nepal Super League, a franchise football tournament, at the Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwar, Kathmandu, on Thursday. 

Nigerian forward Imoh Ezekiel and Nepali international Mani Lama scored for the holders while overseas player Victor Mansaray scored for Chitwan.

The victory lifted Lalitpur on top of the table with eight points from four games, pushing Chitwan to second position on seven points. Lalitpur, yet to taste defeat, have won two and played draws in two games. It was the first defeat for Chitwan who had won twice and played a draw in the previous game. 

Emo put Lalitpur ahead as early as in the second minute heading home Mani Lama’s left flank free-kick from the close range. 

Chitwan led by Nepal international forward Anjan Bista restored the parity in the 74th minute through Victor. Sierra Leone-born forward scored from the crowded zone capitalising on a poor defending by Lalitpur defenders. 

Lalitpur regained the lead six minutes later with another set-piece goal. Mani Lama scored with a freekick from the left side of the area. 

Kathmandu Rayzrs will face two-time runners-up Dhangadhi FC in Friday’s fixture.